Business
Blue chip stocks boost bourse following three-session decline
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
CSE shares gained in mid-day trade yesterday after slipping for three-straight sessions, pushed up by LOLC, Ceylon Cold Stores and Asiri Hospitals blue chip stocks. Lower level bargain hunters were looking to purchase top stocks, market analysts said.
Amid those developments both indices moved up. The All- Share Price Index went up by 88.6 points and S and P SL20 rose by 72.2 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.2 billion with three crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH, which crossed 248,000 shares to the tune of Rs 32.4 million, its shares traded at Rs 130, Kahawatte Plantations 600,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22.8 million, its shares traded at Rs 38 and RIL Properties 3.2 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20.2 million, its shares fetched Rs 6.20.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Lanka ILC Rs 286 million (1.5 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 156 million (998,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 101.8 million (783,000 shares traded), CIC Holdings Rs 90.9 million (961,000 shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 51.2 million (588,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 41.4 million (seven million shares traded) and CIC Holdings (non-voting) Rs 32 million (494,000 shares traded). During the day 56.2 million share volumes changed hands in 16000 share transactions.
Many Sri Lankan firms showed good results in the June quarter helped by lower-cost inventory and the ability to increase prices as inflation soared.
Since then utility prices are up and workers are beginning to be restive, demanding higher wages, while concerns are emerging about purchasing power. Economies (and firms) generally begin to feel the negative effects of money printing when inflation ceases to accelerate, observers said.
Following the tax hike proposals, stockbrokers said that the market has become bearish as investors moved to a wait-and-see approach as they expect the move to hit fourth-quarter earnings.
Yesterday the Central Bank announced the US dollar buying rate as Rs 360.65 and selling rate as Rs 371.21
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”